SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 1 ⎯ Purpose and Needgreater training realism. Larger maneuver areas also are required to stress the personnel and equipmentcapabilities of the SBCT adequately. The SBCT must be able to execute a full range of combatand peace support operations to ensure the mission success as they prepare for the full spectrum ofwartime and peace support operations. At all levels, the units of the SBCT must have adequate maneuvertraining land to conduct and rehearse training operations to certify themselves as deployableunits. TC 25–1, Training Land, serves as the definitive source document for the requirements for maneuverland training.1.2.1.9 Deployment Operations FacilitiesAs is highlighted in the NDS and QDR, transportability and the ability to project military power toprovide deterrence and to influence regional outcomes are critical elements of Army transformation.While this element of need is addressed later in this chapter, the stationing of the 2/25 th SBCT needsto be at a location with adequate deployment facilities to support deployment training and provide forreal world rapid deployment to areas of potential conflict. Facilities for training and operational deploymentinclude rail transport facilities, seaport facilities, and Stryker-transport-capable aircraftrunways. Such facilities are important considerations in selecting a permanent station for the SBCT.1.2.1.10 Maintenance and Garrison Operations FacilitiesThe SBCT has approximately 4,100 Soldiers, more than 300 Stryker vehicles, approximately 600wheeled support vehicles, and all the equipment required to support their missions. When the 2/25 thSBCT is not deployed for training or supporting mission requirements abroad, Soldiers, vehicles, andequipment require adequate garrison facilities to conduct routine operations and maintenance in orderto sustain the vast array of equipment that accompanies the SBCT. Garrison operations ensure theSBCT is administratively prepared and functionally equipped to support deployment operations. Stationingof the SBCT requires dedicated administrative office space for its Soldiers, motor pools, vehiclemaintenance facilities, weapons armories, and many other administrative facilities needed to ensuresuccessful garrison preparation. The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has designed and implementeda program of standard facilities that are required to support Army modular BCTs. Thesestandards are designed to provide adequately for the garrison operations and maintenance of theSBCT and are described in more detail in Section 2.2 of Chapter 2. Sites selected for permanent stationingof the 2/25 th must be able to accommodate the SBCT’s garrison operations as an essentialcomponent of need for the permanent stationing action.1.2.1.11 Soldier and Family Quality of LifeAlong with providing for the mission requirements of Soldiers, the Army is absolutely committed toproviding the highest quality of life it can attain for its Soldiers and their Families, especially forthose who have endured multiple deployments supporting the U.S. commitments in Afghanistan andIraq. The Army has continued to emphasize support of Soldiers and their Families within the NDS,QDR, ACP, and other defense policy documents and it is a non-negotiable component of the stationingdecision for the 2/25 th SBCT. Locations considered for the permanent stationing of the 2/25 thSBCT must have adequate housing and living space, schools, medical facilities, and recreational opportunitiesfor the unit’s Soldiers and Families. The Army remains firmly committed to maintaining ahigh quality all volunteer force with emphasis on taking care of its Soldiers and their Families as oneof its top priorities. A critical component of achieving this objective is providing accessible communityand recreational services and facilities needed to sustain a high quality of life. Providing for theseneeds of the Soldiers and Families of the 2/25 th is a key element of need for the decision of where tostation the SBCT.February 2008 1-9 2/25th SBCT Final EIS